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This week, thousands of students from across Idaho and beyond will arrive on the Boise State campus to begin a transformative journey.
Interim President Jeremiah Shinn reflected on the moment during Wednesday’s State of the University speech. “This is why we do this work. Because we believe that students … are capable of doing heroic things. Compassionate things. Everyday things that matter. We believe that Boise State University will propel students forward – and in doing so, it will propel Idaho forward.”
Idaho’s universities will release official enrollment numbers in October, but officials expect record enrollment, with an increase of more than 500 students from last year, defying national trends. Retention and graduation rates are at historic highs, with first-generation students, veterans, transfer students and adult learners thriving. Shinn emphasized that new programs like the School for the Digital Future and the School of Computing are preparing students for careers in emerging fields such as AI, cybersecurity and digital innovation.
Hands-on learning at Boise State connects students to both their communities and the natural world. Programs such as the BlueWater Initiative, which brought together researchers, farmers, lawmakers, and local leaders to plan for Idaho’s most critical natural resource, as well as research in cheatgrass management, showcase the university’s commitment to tackling some of the state’s greatest challenges. “Students learn not just for degrees, but to make meaningful contributions to Idaho and beyond,” Shinn noted.
Boise State continues to provide innovative educational opportunities that meet students’ needs — offering remote learning that makes degrees accessible to those in rural communities. In all, 30% of the degrees and certificates awarded last year were earned by fully online students.
Through partnerships with local industries — including the semiconductor sector — students are building skills that will shape Idaho’s workforce and potentially have a global impact.
With over $102 million raised in philanthropic support this year, Boise State continues to expand scholarships, faculty positions and student services, ensuring that financial barriers don’t block potential.
“The first time I set foot on this campus — on Oct. 13, 2009, during my interview visit — I knew I wanted to be part of this,” Shinn said. “It was a very different place back then — but even then, I had a sense of its purpose and its possibility. I had a sense of the opportunities here…This university has changed me for the better. And I’ve seen it change students, colleagues, alumni, friends and supporters through the years. Friends, we don’t do this work because it’s easy. We do it because it matters.
“So as we begin this new academic year, let’s stay firmly rooted in our purpose. Let’s be open to what’s possible. Let’s keep our foot on the gas. And let’s keep building the kind of university that prepares students to do hard things, bold things, important things…extraordinary things.”